Hospital Bag

Elegran, I also think those of us who are widowed or live alone may view a 'hospital bag' as more of a necessity than those whose partner might reasonably (?) be expected to be able to gather a few essentials together in an emergency.

I do remember when I was in hospital after an op a few years ago talking DH through the the things I needed via phone as he wandered round the bedroom searching for the right drawer...

Sorry, missed reading third page before last post .

I work in an emergency receiving ward in my local hospital and see many people come in with nothing. We have a red bag on top of the wardrobe that can be, and has been, grabbed in an emergency that has enough to tide hubby and I over for the first 12 hours.
It has a pair of pants each, pj's, slippers, toileteries, a list of daily medication and £2.
If somebody was staying in longer then we would take radio, laptop, ( give me a chance to clear out my every growing photo collection) medication, a charger, etc.
Our ward has plenty of spare sockets and everybody seems to have chargers with them. Technically they should have them checked before use but nobody does.
The other thing that is very popular these days is adult colouring books.
My must have essential would be my pillows, the hospital ones are awful.

I packed one last night !! Have been newly diagnosed with cellulitis and feeling really ill yesterday when I came home from work . I was beginning to get frightened .
This morning however , I'm feeling much better , day 3 of anti biotics , they must be working now.
I've never been in hospital apart from having babies , in my pain and stress I couldn't think what to gather . wash stuff, nightie , pen and paper to write out my will !
I'm away to unpack it !

I've done one now! I bought a new, small sports bag from a charity shop and filled it with lots of travel sized toiletries, spare nighty and cotton wrap,slippers etc. Put a note in the top to remind me to take phone and charger and told my dd. She agreed it's a good idea while secretly thinking that I'm mad!

Label everything. My voluntary role includes trying to locate lost items for patients and I'm rarely successful. Keep some spare stick-on labels in the washbag.
What size bag? Well, remember that everything will have to fit in that bedside cupboard.
Those choosing not to pack a bag are leaving others with an unnecessary burden. Presumably they don't have a will either.

I had been feeling odd for a while, on holiday actually. When we got back, I really felt odd, and, on impulse, packed a bag ready. Finally couldn't stand it any longer and went to the hospital at midnight on a Saturday night! Bag was in car and, as I had suspected, they kept me in and removed my gall bladder.

The idea of keeping a bag ready for emergencies is brilliant, and, I would say those who think it's pessimistic and asking for trouble: it's the umbrella thing. If you have an umbrella with you, it won't rain.

And to connect the thread to all the de-cluttering threads - is there a way you can donate pyjamas, nighties, or dressing gowns to hospitals to enable people who are admitted unexpectedly to retain a little dignity?

Don't unpack it tiredoldwoman. The whole idea is to have one at the ready at all times. Glad that you and JackyB are on the mend, hope you continue to improve.
I got out my bag a few weeks ago and put it on the landing, when having palpitations and my heart was jumping all over the place. Fortunately not needed, and all well now.